LIVING AND LEARNING WITH ASPERGER'S SYNDROME!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Now the problem is not many people know what this is; I know when he was first diagnosed I was completely in the dark.

But with all challenges the Lord hands me, I accepted this challenge straight on and started doing my research.

I am still learning and my main focus now is trying, not only to help Phillip, but to try to educate others and myself on how to help these exceptional intelligent people to use their knowledge to survive among us.

Our world seems almost black and white to them. Their thinking is so vivid, they conceive things so literally. I am amazed at the things I have already learned and I have not even covered the main basics yet.

I am in awe at the amount of children and adults that are misdiagnosed with AHDH or other symptoms that are so similar to Asperger's. This leaves these children and adults searching for answers, usually not found unless the proper diagnoses is made.

So often I hear I don't want my child to have Asperger's...It is a form of Autism. Well let me tell you my feelings on this...I am thankful my Grandson has Asperger's Syndrome! This has given me the road map I need to guide him in the direction to succeed in life. Also I am so grateful he is healthy.

We just received his 9 weeks report card from school and he made the A-B HONOR ROLE! So we must be doing something right!

We as parents and grandparents only want the best for our children. Now I have the tools I need to make life better for my child.

Here is some information I have found...Hope this helps you understand some of the basics of Asperger's Syndrome.

Barbara
THANK GOD I'M A FARM GIRL!

Asperger's Syndrome
Asperger's syndrome, also called Asperger's disorder, is a type of pervasive development disorder (PDD). PDDs are a group of conditions that involve delays in the development of many basic skills, most notably the ability to socialize with others, to communicate, and to use imagination.

Although Asperger's syndrome is similar in some ways to autism -- another, more severe type of PDD -- there are some important differences. Children with Asperger's syndrome typically function better than do those with autism. In addition, children with Asperger's syndrome generally have normal intelligence and near-normal language development, although they may develop problems communicating as they get older.

Asperger's syndrome was named for the Austrian doctor, Hans Asperger, who first described the disorder in 1944. However, Asperger's syndrome was not recognized as a unique disorder until much later.

What Are the Symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome?

The symptoms of Asperger's syndrome vary and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:

Problems with social skills:

Eccentric or repetitive behaviors:

Unusual preoccupations or rituals:

Communication difficulties:

Limited range of interests:

Coordination problems:

Skilled or talented:

How Common Is Asperger's Syndrome?

Asperger's syndrome has only recently been recognized as a unique disorder. For that reason, the exact number of people with the disorder is unknown, although it is more common than autism. Estimates suggest Asperger's syndrome affects from 0.024% to 0.36% of children. It is more common in males than in females, and usually is first diagnosed in children between the ages of 2 and 6 years.

How Is Asperger's Syndrome Treated?

There currently is no cure for Asperger's syndrome, but treatment may improve functioning and reduce undesirable behaviors. Treatment may include a combination of the following:

Special education:
Behavior modification
Speech, physical, or occupational therapy:
Medication : There are no medications to treat Asperger's syndrome itself,

Can Asperger's Syndrome Be Prevented?

Asperger's syndrome cannot be prevented or cured. However, early diagnosis and treatment can improve function and quality of life.

Hi I stumbled upon your blog through a mutual friend. This topic is near and dear to me as my 10 year old son has Aspergers. I, like you, am thankful everyday for his Aspergers as he wouldn't be the person he is without it and that person is exceptional, brilliant, honest, funny and insightful. He brings me so much joy and teaches me something new everyday. True, there are obstacles to overcome, but often the education of others makes those obstacles much less. I love that you took the time to put links on your blog to help in this process. Good for you!!

What a lucky boy your grandson is to have such an advocate in you. We should all be so fortunate! Thank you for sharing with us and congrats to your grandson on his successes!!

Never heard of it and now I know a little. My daughter was born with what is benign essential tremors which when she was born her head and hands shook and they don't know what causes it. They said she would be a vegetable and I told them they where crazy look at those eyes and see the life in them. Now I am not saying it was easy because it was a 24/7 job but when she went to school I had her ready. By the time she graduated college she was in the top of her class, deans list and Com laden or one of them. She is a teacher so as long as you work with the children and it means a life time they will blossom. She is married and she is the one with my DGD that I take care of during the summer and take bowling. DGD is also a very smart young lady all B's on her report card. Children are special and God gave then to us to care for and I love the job.

I did know what this was until now.Thank you for being such a devoted spoke person and support for Phillip,you are the best Grandma ever. Love you for you being you and helping Phillip and so many others,you are a treasure and a blessing! Diana

Barbara, this topic is near and dear to my heart. My son has Aspergers. We worked very hard with him over the years and he graduated HS in the top of his class as a Nation Honor Society member, He attends a local college studying engineering and has a part time job. Danny has worked hard over the years to embrace his Asperger's and has overcome so much. I am super proud. Especially since many of his teachers of the years told me not to expect much for him and that he might never go to college. Boy did the Lord help us prove them all wrong. Of course, when he was diagnosed over ten years ago, there was not a lot of materials out there for us.

Anyway, Phillip is blessed to have you in his corner on his journey. It was a long hard journey for us, but not that people are beginning to understand it, things are getting better.

As always, much love to you my dear. Thank you for sharing this information.

Thank you Barbara for a very informative Blog, about Aspergers. It is a new subject to me. You were the first to tell our team about it. I know that Phillip willdo really well, because you love him so much andyou are making research efforts to find out everything you can, on the syndrome. I certainly applaudall your efforts. Phillip will grow to be a veryintelligent man and a good one. I have no doubtat all.

Whatever challenges Phillip may have, he has the very best "farm girl" Grandma to help him meet them head on and excell!! I am not worried one bit for him. I know he's a great boy and will successfully grow into a great man! Thanks for the info., though......I had never heard of this. My DS has been diagnosed as a child with ADHD. Maybe I'll research a bit on Asperger's just to see if he exhibits any symptoms of it! Be well, my friend!

My nephew has autism. I t has provided many challenges for my sister and brother-in-law. God bless you for taking the time to understand what you are facing, embrace it and educate others. Misunderstand and misinformation create unfounded prejudice and pain.